Best way to make sure the ABS light is working correctly?

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by Moving Forward, Aug 26, 2023.

  1. Moving Forward

    Moving Forward Heavy Load Member

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    I've heard the best way to make sure the ABS light is working correctly is to simply unplug the pigtail during the pre-trip inspection, so all lights go out, then just plug it back in and quickly look down the tank/trailer to see if the ABS light comes on briefly and then goes off and stays off.

    Is that pigtail test the best way to make sure the ABS light's working right, or is there a better way?
     
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  3. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

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    Pull on a slight angle to the left (drivers side), cycle your key off and on, light and trailer abs system should cycle
     
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  4. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Piece of black tape always worked for me. They don't call it "A-BS" light for nothing.
     
  5. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Normal operation is as follows. Turn key on, light comes on for about 2-3 seconds, then goes off. That shows it’s working. If it stays on, or at any time comes on and stays on, there’s a problem. Blink diagnostic as follows. Turn key on for 1-2 seconds, off 1-2 seconds, on 1-2, and off 1-2, then on. Light will blink. Count blinks. Refer to Wabco or whatever brand system, (ecu) blink code chart. Fix problem, drive vehicle above 3-5 mph to turn light off. If light stays on, it’s either not fixed, or there’s another problem, repeat diagnostics and get new code. Repeat till light stays off.
     
    Last edited: Aug 26, 2023
  6. Arctic_fox

    Arctic_fox Experienced mx13 execrator

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    And that is going into my tips and tricks manual lol. Ive been a driver for over a decade now and never knew that....would have made repairs SO much bloody easier on my last trailer.
     
  7. Moving Forward

    Moving Forward Heavy Load Member

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    Thanks for the info. I had one of our mechanics tell me yesterday to NOT keep doing the pigtail test, because he said that's causing moisture and other crap to get up inside there and cause a bad connection... which completely makes sense since our yard is frequently wet and muddy.
     
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  8. mjv2744

    mjv2744 Light Load Member

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    That’s an awesome nugget of information right there. Thank you rideandrepair.
     
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  9. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    I unplug it to check, do it at night with all other lights off.
     
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  10. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    I checked it that way or like @skallagrime just turn the key off and back on.
     
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  11. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

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    Mine comes on for a second when I apply the brakes..is that normal? I’m wondering because I never noticed it on other trailers I’ve had.
     
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